Stories

Did You Know- Afghanistan Edition

When I hear about the nation of Afghanistan, it is usually in regards to the war. I knew little about this country outside of this, but have come to discover that this country has a rich history and culture.Did you know:

Afghanistan is the 41st largest nation in the world

The Pashtun and Tajiks are the major ethnic groups of Afghanistan

The first newspaper in Afghanistan was published in 1906

Though soccer is the most popular sport in Afghanistan, cricket is gaining popularity

Poetry plays a major role in the Afghan culture

Winters are very cold (average of 5 °F) and Summers are very hot (average of 95°F) in Afghanistan

All Afghan Christians come from a Muslim background. Believers who are discovered face discrimination from family and community, Muslim clergy and local authorities. The government treats converts in a hostile manner, using any means possible to make them recant. The tiny Christian minority cannot meet in public; meetings in private homes are possible, but require great caution. Not a single official church building remains, not even for expatriate believers. In February, an Afghan Christian was released after spending nearly nine months in prison on charges of apostasy.